Friends & Supporters

Contributors

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Genzyme Corporation announced it awarded more than $85,000 in community grants and sponsorships in the third quarter of this year to support 11 non-profit organizations located in areas throughout the United States where Genzyme has operations. The grants are designed to further science education and access to health programs and are consistent with Genzyme's commitment to encouraging innovation in science and addressing areas of unmet medical need.

Genzyme contributed $30,000 to the Boston University School of Medicine MobileLab project. The company has been a long-time supporter of the biotechnology-learning laboratory, which seeks to provide equal learning opportunities to all students. The MobileLab program provides science teachers with the equipment, supplies and staff support required to implement hands on, inquiry-based laboratory investigations. These labs are performed at either Boston University School of Medicine or aboard MobileLab's 40-foot fully equipped mobile laboratory.

Genzyme provided $10,000 in support of the Wellness Program at the Center for Cancer Support & Education (CCSE) to assist cancer patients, their caregivers and loved ones. The Wellness Program teaches patients how to increase their own healing capabilities through a variety of different strategies including meditation, movement and relaxation techniques. The Wellness Program also educates medical professionals so that they can incorporate these techniques into their medical protocols.

Genzyme also contributed $10,000 to the Hearts and Noses Clown Troupe whose mission is to support hospitalized children who are ill and disabled by making bedside hospital clown visits that alleviate fear and stress. The clowns seek to promote healing and joy for children with cancer, physical disabilities, AIDS and sickle cell anemia. Two years ago, Genzyme helped the Hearts and Noses program get its start at Boston Medical Center and now the program has expanded to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Franciscan Hospital for Children. The Troupe has visited more than 27,000 children in the Greater Boston area.

There are many underserved populations in the Boston area that benefit from non-profit organizations that promote healthy living. This quarter, Genzyme provided $10,000 to the Crittenton Women's Union Healthy Families Program, This program provides education and support to first-time mothers under age 21 and their children regarding health, nutrition and parenting skills. Home visits are offered to ensure that the mother is meeting both her own and her child's basic needs and also to offer information about programs and services that are available to the family.

Genzyme also provided grants to the following health and wellness programs:

A $5,000 grant to benefit the Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation's Bedbugs Eradication Initiative.

A $2,000 grant to support free medical escort services to low-income elders through the Somerville- Cambridge Elder Services.

One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 9,500 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2006 revenues of $3.2 billion. In 2006 and 2007, Genzyme was selected by Fortune as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for" in the United States.

Charitable organizations located in towns and cities worldwide in which Genzyme has operations are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through Genzyme Community Relations. The company has a strong commitment to helping people, especially in underserved areas.

About This Blog

The National Business Community Blog (NBCB) was a national news archive that collected and summarized stories about businesses that do good. NBCB published some great examples of business giving practices for more than six years with the hope to inspire more companies to engage in philanthropy and community service.

It was originally created to benefit Nevada Volunteers, a state commission that administers AmeriCorps programs. For more stories featuring nonprofit causes, visit Liquid [Hip].